45 things to do in Houston this weekend

See what's going on in the Bayou City, beyond the Rodeo and Mardi Gras.

By By Andrea Waguespack

on February 26, 2014 6:07 PM

Photo: Dave Rossman/For the Chronicle

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World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest:This event, which is part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, features cooking, competition, eating and dancing. Thursday, February 27 from 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, February 28 from noon-11 p.m.; and Saturday, March 1 from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Reliant Park, 1 Reliant Pkwy.; Tickets: $5-$15; rodeohouston.com/Events less

World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest:
This event, which is part of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, features cooking, competition, eating and dancing. Thursday, February 27 from 6 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, ... more

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade:The festivities kick off at the Public School Stadium Parking Lot on Saturday, March 1 at 9 a.m. with the Battle of the Bands. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Kempner Park (27th and Ave. N) and will proceed down the Seawall, right onto 31st street, down Ave N, left onto 27th and end at Jack Johnson Park (27th and Avenue M.) mardigrasgalveston.com less

Krewe d’Esprit Rosaire Parade:
The festivities kick off at the Public School Stadium Parking Lot on Saturday, March 1 at 9 a.m. with the Battle of the Bands. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Kempner Park (27th ... more

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade:This is Mardi Gras Galveston’s largest parade, featuring floats, marching bands, dignitaries, and, of course, beads. This event is Saturday, March 1 with the parade kicking off at 23rd and Seawall Boulevard at 6:30 p.m. The parade will then turn right on 25th Street and continues to Mechanic Street, right on Mechanic Street to 21st Street, left on 21st to The Strand, left on Strand and end at the Railroad Museum. mardigrasgalveston.com

Knights of Momus Grand Night Parade:
This is Mardi Gras Galveston’s largest parade, featuring floats, marching bands, dignitaries, and, of course, beads. This event is Saturday, March 1 with the parade kicking ... more

Sugar Land's annual Cultural Kite Festival:This event brightens up the sky every year. The festival features kite flying lessons and various cultural performances. Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd.; 281-275-2885; sugarlandtx.gov/kitefest less

Sugar Land's annual Cultural Kite Festival:
This event brightens up the sky every year. The festival features kite flying lessons and various cultural performances. Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sugar ... more

NatureFest at Jones Park:
More than 35 nature organizations, exhibitors and speakers will help families connect with nature this weekend at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center. The park's annual NatureFest will ... more

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade: Saturday, March 1; races from 9:10-9:45 a.m., parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade will start at Walker and Bagby near City Hall, then it will travel up Walker, then right on Travis, another right on Bell and Louisiana, then left on Lamar before ending at Bagby. rodeohouston.com/Events less

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Downtown Rodeo Parade:
Saturday, March 1; races from 9:10-9:45 a.m., parade begins at 10 a.m. The parade will start at Walker and Bagby near City Hall, then it will travel up ... more

Mardi Gras on Market Square:The inaugural Mardi Gras Jamboree & Gumbo Showdown will take place downtown in Market Square Park. Sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. and the Downtown District, the event will include entertainment by the Hustlers Brass Band and T-Bird and the Breaks, an art car drive-by and the opportunity to taste the gumbo teams' creations. As many as 30 teams are expected to vie for a top prize of $500 and a case of Saint Arnold beer. Saturday, March 1 from 4-8:30 p.m.; 301 Milam; $5 parking available in Market Square Garage; marketsquarepark.com less

Mardi Gras on Market Square:
The inaugural Mardi Gras Jamboree & Gumbo Showdown will take place downtown in Market Square Park. Sponsored by Saint Arnold Brewing Co. and the Downtown District, the event will ... more

Frank CaliendoThis comedian will have a couple of shows on Friday, February 28 (8 and 10 p.m.) and Saturday, March 1 (7 and 9:30 p.m.). Houston Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway; Tickets: $30-45; improv.com

Frank Caliendo
This comedian will have a couple of shows on Friday, February 28 (8 and 10 p.m.) and Saturday, March 1 (7 and 9:30 p.m.). Houston Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway; Tickets: $30-45; improv.com

Photo: RICHARD DREW, AP

Frank Caliendo This comedian will have a couple of shows on... Photo-5942567.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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BARC Adoptions at First Saturday in the Heights: Adopt a new best friend and give a deserving furry friend their fur-ever home. Saturday, March 1; Natural Pawz Heights Location, 514 W 19th St; houstontx.gov/barc less

BARC Adoptions at First Saturday in the Heights:
Adopt a new best friend and give a deserving furry friend their fur-ever home. Saturday, March 1; Natural Pawz Heights Location, 514 W 19th St; ... more

Photo: Kevin Fujii, .

BARC Adoptions at First Saturday in the Heights: Adopt a new... Photo-4010525.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Hayes Carll:Houston favorite son whose songs are infused with no small amount of humor. Friday, February 28 at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk; 713-528-5999; mcgonigels.com

Hayes Carll:
Houston favorite son whose songs are infused with no small amount of humor. Friday, February 28 at 7 and 9:30 p.m.; McGonigel's Mucky Duck, 2425 Norfolk; 713-528-5999; mcgonigels.com

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston:"Georges Braque: A Retrospective,"
opens Sunday; "Made for Magazines: Iconic 20th-Century Photographs,"
through May 4; "The Age of Impressionism," through March 23; "Roads of
Arabia," through March 9; Tickets: $7.50-$15; 5601 Main; 713-639-7300, mfah.org. less

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston:
"Georges Braque: A Retrospective," opens Sunday; "Made for Magazines: Iconic 20th-Century Photographs," through May 4; "The Age of Impressionism," through March 23; "Roads of ... more

Pleasure Pier:One of Galveston's newer attractions is
offering special Mardi Gras pricing. From Friday, February 21-Sunday,
March 2, all-day ride passes are $15.99 and walk-on tickets are $5.00. pleasurepier.com less

Pleasure Pier:
One of Galveston's newer attractions is offering special Mardi Gras pricing. From Friday, February 21-Sunday, March 2, all-day ride passes are $15.99 and walk-on tickets are $5.00. ... more

Amos Lee:Like the singer, his music is fun, easygoing and hard not to like. Friday, February 28 at7 p.m.; Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; 713-230-1600; bayoumusiccenter.com

Amos Lee:
Like the singer, his music is fun, easygoing and hard not to like. Friday, February 28 at7 p.m.; Bayou Music Center, 520 Texas; 713-230-1600; bayoumusiccenter.com

Photo: HANS PENNINK, AP

Amos Lee: Like the singer, his music is fun, easygoing and hard... Photo-5225191.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Peter Noone: Lead singer of Herman's Hermits, the '60s pop band with songs like "There's a Kind of Hush" and "Listen, People." Friday, February 28 at 8:30 p.m.; Dosey Doe, 25911 I-45 N., The Woodlands; 281-367-3774; doseydoe.com less

Peter Noone: Lead singer of Herman's Hermits, the '60s pop band with songs like "There's a Kind of Hush" and "Listen, People." Friday, February 28 at 8:30 p.m.; Dosey Doe, 25911 I-45 N., The Woodlands; ... more

Schlitterbahn:The water park is open during weekends and select holidays starting this Saturday, March 1 through April 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 2026 Lockheed Street, Galveston; 409-770-WAVE (9283); schlitterbahn.com/gal

Schlitterbahn:
The water park is open during weekends and select holidays starting this Saturday, March 1 through April 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 2026 Lockheed Street, Galveston; 409-770-WAVE (9283); ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, .

Schlitterbahn: The water park is open during weekends and select... Photo-2917384.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Little Joe Washington: Houston treasure and guitar great has been playing gritty and greasy blues for decades. Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m.; Continental Club, 3700 Main; 713-529-9899; continentalclub.com

Little Joe Washington:
Houston treasure and guitar great has been playing gritty and greasy blues for decades. Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m.; Continental Club, 3700 Main; 713-529-9899; continentalclub.com

Mardi Gras in Kingwood:Town Center Park in Kingwood will be the place to be this weekend as its hosts a Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Festivities will include live zydeco music, an arts and crafts market and plenty of food and beverage. Saturday, March 1 from noon-6 p.m.; 8 N. Main, Kingwood; towncenterevents.com less

Mardi Gras in Kingwood:
Town Center Park in Kingwood will be the place to be this weekend as its hosts a Mardi Gras Festival and Parade. Festivities will include live zydeco music, an arts and crafts market and ... more

Photo: Philip Gould

Mardi Gras in Kingwood: Town Center Park in Kingwood will be the... Photo-5759969.80778 - Houston Chronicle

Krewe du Blue at House of Blues: House of Blue's Mardi Gras celebration, Krewe du Blue, kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday, February 28 in the Crossroads restaurant with a happy hour and spreads through the evening to the Bronze Peacock and the Music Hall. Live music, specialty drinks and a parade are included in the festivities. Admission to Crossroads, which features music by Lil' Brian and the Zydeco Travelers, is free. Admission to other venues range from $10 to $22; 1204 Caroline; 888-402–5837; houseofblues.com less

Krewe du Blue at House of Blues: House of Blue's Mardi Gras celebration, Krewe du Blue, kicks off at 3 p.m. Friday, February 28 in the Crossroads restaurant with a happy hour and spreads through the evening to ... more

Photo: Eric Kayne

Krewe du Blue at House of Blues: House of Blue's Mardi Gras... Photo-4865616.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Hip-hop history:Decades of Houston hip-hop history will converge on the Arena Theatre's rotating stage when local rap legends Geto Boys headline a show along with Z-Ro, Lil' Keke, Paul Wall, Slim Thug and others. Friday, February 28 at 8 p.m.; Arena Theatre, 7326 U.S. 59 S.; Tickets: $25-$35; 713-772-5900; warehouselive.com -Andrew Dansby less

Hip-hop history:
Decades of Houston hip-hop history will converge on the Arena Theatre's rotating stage when local rap legends Geto Boys headline a show along with Z-Ro, Lil' Keke, Paul Wall, Slim Thug and ... more

Last Tip of My Hat: Just in time for rodeo season, an exhibition that showcases a cowboy-style send-off opens at the National Museum of Funeral History. The focal point of the exhibit is a custom pine coffin made by Cowboy's Last Ride casket company of Early, Texas. March 1-31, Mondays-Fridays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 p.m., 415 Barren Springs, Tickets: $10, $7 for ages 3-11; nmfh.org less

Last Tip of My Hat:
Just in time for rodeo season, an exhibition that showcases a cowboy-style send-off opens at the National Museum of Funeral History. The focal point of the exhibit is a custom pine coffin ... more

Photo: PRWeb

Last Tip of My Hat: Just in time for rodeo season, an exhibition... Photo-4228585.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Tales of Texas at George Ranch: Stephen F. Austin, Gov. "Big Jim" Hogg and Mollie Bailey, the Circus Queen of the Southwest, will be among the "guests" during Tales of Texas day at George Ranch Historical Park. Park volunteers will depict dozens of important and interesting historical figures. Park visitors also will be able to help Texas Rangers as they track down the Lone Star State's most infamous gunslinger, John Wesley Hardin. Saturday, March 1 from 9a.m.-5p.m.; 10215 FM 762, Richmond, TX; Tickets: $10 ($5 for ages 5-15); georgeranch.org less

Tales of Texas at George Ranch:
Stephen F. Austin, Gov. "Big Jim" Hogg and Mollie Bailey, the Circus Queen of the Southwest, will be among the "guests" during Tales of Texas day at George Ranch Historical Park. ... more

Unleash the hounds:Austin may notice a dramatic decrease in psychedelic vibes since '60s garage legend Roky Erickson and the Hounds of Baskerville and the contemporary dark-psych band the Black Angels are sharing stages on tour. Expect surreal and sometimes scary lyrics and big grungy riffs. Friday, February 28 at 8 p.m.; Fitzgerald's, 2706 White Oak; $20-$24; 713-862-3838; fitzlivemusic.com-Andrew Dansby less

Unleash the hounds:
Austin may notice a dramatic decrease in psychedelic vibes since '60s garage legend Roky Erickson and the Hounds of Baskerville and the contemporary dark-psych band the Black Angels are ... more

At attention, Sargent:John Singer Sargent may be best known for his portraits of Gilded Age society ladies, but on his own time he traveled with watercolors. Two collections of those paintings, sold in their entirety in 1909 and 1912, appear together in "John Singer Sargent Watercolors." Houston is the final stop of the exhibit's three-city tour, which shows the American master at his most luminous. Opens 12:15-7 p.m. Sunday; then 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, through May 26; Audrey Jones Beck Building, 5601 Main; $12.50-$23, free on Thursdays; 713-639-7300, mfah.org -Steven Brown less

At attention, Sargent:
John Singer Sargent may be best known for his portraits of Gilded Age society ladies, but on his own time he traveled with watercolors. Two collections of those paintings, sold in their ... more

Photo: Brooklyn Museum

At attention, Sargent: John Singer Sargent may be best known for... Photo-5941558.80778 - Houston Chronicle

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Polite company:Jane Weiner has always had a kid's heart. Her latest work for her Hope Stone Dance Company mixes inspiration from the 1970's educational show "The Electric Company" and beloved children's book authors such as Shel Silverstein and Maurice Sendak. Local poetry slammer Mahnoor Samana narrates Weiner's story, "Wanda McKinney and Her Glorious Amazing Art Adventure." The company also reprises a short version of 2012's "squared dancer." Friday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m.; Hobby Center, 800 Bagby; $11-$26.75; 713-315-2525, hopestoneinc.org-Steven Brown less

Polite company:
Jane Weiner has always had a kid's heart. Her latest work for her Hope Stone Dance Company mixes inspiration from the 1970's educational show "The Electric Company" and beloved children's book ... more

Fool:
World premiere of Theresa Rebeck's comedy, about two medieval kings who make a wager involving their fools. 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2:30 and ... more

Freud's Last Session: Mark St. Germain's off-Broadway hit
imagines a meeting of minds in which father of psychoanalysis Sigmund
Freud and author C.S. Lewis debate the existence of God. The play runs
on Tuesdays-Thursdays from 7:30 p.m, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at
2:30 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. through Feb. 23;
Alley Theatre, 615 Texas; Tickets: $26-$85; 713-220-5700, alleytheatre.org. less

Freud's Last Session:
Mark St. Germain's off-Broadway hit imagines a meeting of minds in which father of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud and author C.S. Lewis debate the existence of God. The play runs on ... more

clean/through: Catastrophic Theatre presents the world premiere
of playwright-in-residence Miki Johnson's drama about a musician and his
girlfriend trying to save their relationship from his substance-abuse
problems. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, through March 1; Catastrophic
Theatre, 1119 I-10 E.; pay what you can; 713-522-2723, catastrophictheatre.com. less

clean/through:
Catastrophic Theatre presents the world premiere of playwright-in-residence Miki Johnson's drama about a musician and his girlfriend trying to save their relationship from his substance-abuse ... more

The Diary of Anne Frank: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett's
Tony- and Pulitzer-winning dramatization of Frank's diary recounts the
two years she and her family spent hiding from Nazi persecution in an
Amsterdam attic. 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m.
Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. Sundays, through March 9; A.D. Players,
2710 W. Alabama; Tickets: $22-$43; 713-526-2721, adplayers.org. less

The Diary of Anne Frank: Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett's Tony- and Pulitzer-winning dramatization of Frank's diary recounts the two years she and her family spent hiding from Nazi persecution in an ... more

Family Comedy & Magic Show (FOR ALL AGES):Entertainers Ted Schwank & Carter BlackburnJoin performs a high-energy adventure full of live magic, illusions & comedy every other Saturday starting March 1 through August 12 at 2 p.m.; Houston Improv, 7620 Katy Freeway; Tickets: $10-17; improv.com less

Family Comedy & Magic Show (FOR ALL AGES):
Entertainers Ted Schwank & Carter BlackburnJoin performs a high-energy adventure full of live magic, illusions & comedy every other Saturday starting March 1 through ... more

Sexy Laundry:
In Michelle Rimi's comedy, a determined wife drags her husband to a swanky hotel armed with a sex manual, appropriate accessories and an ultimatum that they either revitalize their 25-year ... more

Menil Collection:"Magritte: Mystery of the Ordinary" open through June 1; "Memories of a Voyage," open through
July 13; "Lee Bontecou: Drawn Worlds," open through May 11; 1533 Sul Ross;
713-525-9400, FREE menil.org. less

Menil Collection:
"Magritte: Mystery of the Ordinary" open through June 1; "Memories of a Voyage," open through July 13; "Lee Bontecou: Drawn Worlds," open through May 11; 1533 Sul Ross; 713-525-9400, FREE ... more